Friday, December 30, 2011

Another year has come and gone! I swear it just goes by
faster and faster with age. I feel like I’m going to blink and suddenly realize
I’m 75 and wonder where the years went.

This year has had its ups and downs, as I’m sure everyone’s
has. But overall, I think it was a lovely year filled with many wonderful things. I thought it'd be nice to do a little overview!

January – I started this blog. My very first one. I can't believe it's been a year already. But I've been loving this whole blogging world and the positives it has brought to my life: making new friends from afar, having a chance to vent, and documenting fun times that I'm sure I would have forgotten otherwise. I hope to see this little bloggy blog grow even more in 2012 (hint hint)! Also, I purchased my very first car on my very own. Having
car payments has definitely taught me more about responsibility and being appreciative for
my own things, that's for sure.

February – Just a few short weeks after getting said car, it was dented and bruised by an old lady in a blue Hyundai. That didn't make me very happy, which I may or may not have let her know that. Fortunately, her insurance paid for it all...and then some. On to more fun things: I completed the 8 mile Spartan Mud Run! It was definitely a challenge, seeing as I literally never worked out. But I put my mind to it, and I did it!

March – I got to go to Maui with my friend Carly to see our friend Becky. I paddle boarded for the first time and also zoomed around the island on a scooter (which I think about often and am very tempted to buy one of my own). It also happened to be the time of the big tsunami! Also, I had a pretty rough break-up, but it actually turned
out to be one of the best things to happen to me. I learned a lot about myself
and what I want in a relationship. It also didn't hurt that I lost about 13
pounds.

April – Brother had a birthday and Roomie and I got to go to
Las Vegas to help him celebrate!

May – My brother came to visit from Georgia. It's always a treat to see him, since I only get to maybe 2-3x/year! I also house sat for my boss's sweet home for three weeks. It was some fun times, yoga parties included.

June – Becky came to visit from Maui and I went to Orange County to visit. It was a lot of fun, despite me being lobster red.

July – My favorite month of the year! I turned a quarter of a century old, folks. My biggest
milestone yet. And so far has proven to be the best year yet. I had a very fun
Fourth of July where I met V-Dizzle and we had our first date which was super fun (from what I can remember) and I'm lucky to have been graced with his presence ever
since :) I also got to fly to Georgiaand have a fun vacation at Blue Ridge Lake as well!

August – My company flew me out to Salt Lake City, Utah for the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show. I was also graced by the City of San Diego with two parking tickets. Thank you, San Diego. Also, I donated blood. Which, I'm pretty sure I vowed to try and do on a more regular basis, and I have to be honest and say I haven't gone since. I'll try to get better at it, I promise! Lastly, I starred in my very first film.

September – This month sparked my love/hate relationship with cooking. I made my first "new" dish and it actually turned out really well! Since then, cooking has become more regular, and I'm actually enjoying it (sort of)! We had the San Diego Blackout which lasted several hours, but unfortunately, not long enough to miss work the next day! I also went through a financial wake-up call and realized I was spending way too much on unnecessary things. So I've been making changes every since! And, I tried Sprinkles Cupcakes for the very first time and it was delish. I haven't allowed myself to go back. Lastly, I got my very first big-wig camera! I'm still learning how to use the thing, but it's definitely opened a big door for me!

October – Roomie and I moved out of Mission Valley and on over to Downtown San Diego! It was something we had always talked about and we finally made it happen. I also went to Las Vegas and got to spend the weekend with my mamma! Vegas is always grand times :) Sarah, Vicki, and I took a pole dancing class as well. Um.. haven't gone back since (hint, hint, ladies!) Lastly, Halloween! I got to go FULL Asian.

November – I had my very first Jury Duty experience!! And it was amazing. I was Alternate Juror #2. Please let me be a professional juror. V-Dizzle and I took a mini road trip up to Julianone Saturday to have lunch and we saw snow! I went to Ricki and Geoff's wedding and basically drooled through the whole thing it was so amazing. V-Dizzle had his Dirty 30. I love birthdays, they're always fun. Of course Thanksgivinghappened. I got to have two! I also got to experience midnight shopping on Black Friday for the very first time. I've been forever sucked into that tradition. Also, V-Dizz and I started training for the marathon that's coming up in June 2012! Crazy thing bc I am so far from being a runner.

December – V-Dizzle met Fasha for the very first time! And it went swimmingly :) It sure is nice being with someone that your friends and family like too! I had my company Christmas party at the owner’s
beautiful home. I got to finally go to the Zooafter much waited talk (though a
little sad to see those poor animals locked up!). I flew to Georgia to see my
family and had a great time as always! I also ran my very first 6 mile run! It was both satisfying and exhilarating. Weird, I know. V-Dizzle got me the Diana Mini for Christmas, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE! Oh, and I sang a Korean song at a Korean church. Which was awkward and I never want to do it again.

It seems that each year just keeps getting better and better
and something tells me 2012 is no exception. I am excited to see what this next
year has in store for me. I think it’s going to be a great one.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that maybe picking the red-eye flight with THREE layovers wasn't the smartest decision I ever made.
I can't even really begin to tell you what thought process happened in me to convince myself that was a good move.
But I can tell you that it's 1:24am and I'm only at my first stop in Phoenix and I'm about ready to punch someone in the face.
Specifically the screaming 2 year old on my flight.
This may sound harsh, yes. She's just a small child, Michelle, give her a break.
Mm..nope.
Can't.
I am so tired that I was the girl that fell asleep on the airport floor in Phoenix, Arizona.
The floor.
With one hand looped through my bags for fear of them being stolen and the other hand holding my cell phone with the alarm set for fear of missing my plane.
On to Charlotte, NC.
Screaming baby and all.
I feel for her mother. I really do.
Her mouth says soothing words like, "It's okay sweetheart, we're going to get on the plane soon."
But her eyes are really saying, "I swear to God, you heathen child, if you don't shut the eff up then I will give.you.something.to.cry.about!!!"
Just a theory.

Wish me luck.
Hope you all are sleeping peacefully in your comfortable beds.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

(Disclaimer: After going through these questions, I have realized I am a grinch who does nothing to get in the holiday spirit. Also, note to my future children: I apologize in advance for bringing you into this world with a mother who does nothing to make Christmas exciting for you. I'll try to work on that before you get here. But let's just say, I hope your future father cares a whole lot more about these things than I do.)

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? Definitely hot chocolate. I've never been a fan of Egg Nog...something about its milky, frothy consistency.. (ahem) moving on.2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? If I had a tree. They would be wrapped. Though, if you remember from this post, wrapping is not my forte. I mean...Santa's forte.3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Again, if I had a house or tree to put lights on...I guess they would have to be white. I lied. If I had a house or tree, I'd probably be too lazy to do either and it would be a sad and bare sight sans lights. 4. Do you hang mistletoe?Nope. Roomie and I just kiss when we feel like it. No mistletoe necessary.5. When do you put your decorations up? What decorations?6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Do mashed potatoes count?7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? This question was left for last, and I'm still not sure how to answer this. (Mom - don't be sad that I can't think of a holiday memory that sticks out to me as a favorite. You know how horrible my memory is and I'm sure they were all wonderful?)8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? My parents never taught us to believe in Santa. I guess this explains where my "Grinchism" came from. I would always try and explain to my little friends how illogical they sounded that they thought this big white fat man in red could come down every single person's chimney in one night. Apparently, they didn't want to hear it.9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Growing up, yes.10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? See question #3's answer.11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Let's just say, I appreciate living in San Diego where it's sunny and snow-free. Though, last year's Christmas was spent in Georgia and it snowed. I'm not going to lie...I was pretty excited to experience my first "White Christmas."12. Can you ice skate? Um. I'm pretty sure, for my 10th birthday party, it was spent at the Escondido IcoPlex. I even wore a pink ballet skirt with a black leotard (bc obvi that's what professional ice-skaters wear).13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Favorite? No. But one year, did I want a bright blue electric guitar, complete with an amp, in hopes to further my musical talents? Yes. Did I get it? You know it. Did I become a famous musician? .......Let's move on.14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Two things and two things only: My family and my Amazon Wish List.15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Apparently every single thing that's on the food table at work. See here.16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? I don't have one yet, but I'd like to think that as I get older and start a family one day, I can begin to make them!17. What tops your tree? See question #3's answer.18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Giving. Shocker, I know. But it's quite fun shopping for people. Don't get me wrong though, if you ever feel inclined to check out my AWL, I wouldn't stop you.19. Candy canes: yuck or yummy? Yummy.20. Favorite Christmas movie? Love Actually and Christmas Vacation.21. Saddest Christmas song? According to Google, the #1 saddest x-mas song is: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Aaannddd come to think of it, I would have to agree.22. What is your favorite Christmas song? Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas." Duh.

Happy Wednesday!

I fly to Georgia TONIGHT to see my mamma, brother, nephew, and soon-to-be SIL!

Friday, December 16, 2011

--You have NO idea how happy I am that it is Friday. This week has been a doozy for me and I cannot wait to just relax and enjoy a work-free environment.

--Speaking of work. They are currently doing construction inside the office and let me tell you, it is extremely hard to concentrate on all my blogging (kidding..sort of) when the only thing I can hear is banging and drilling.

--V-Dizzle was going to surprise me with a trip to the Zoo this weekend because that's all I've been able to talk about for the last two months. But I somehow managed to ruin the surprise because that's what I do being the most impatient person alive. Sorry :( Nonetheless, I am uber excited to see some lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

--I have to run 5 miles tomorrow to continue training for this marathon. Not one ounce of me is looking forward to it. (Why am I doing this again?)

--I got an email from Fasha this morning about my Amazon Wish List. He told me to pick 5 of my favorites and then he would choose out of those. How am I supposed to pick just 5? Isn't that what the wish list is all about? That they're ALL my favorites?

--Five days left until I can get the eff out of dodge. Dodge being San Diego in this scenario. I can't wait. I can't wait. I can't wait! Did I mention I'm the most impatient person alive?

--The Vickster introduced me to the greatest invention ALIVE ---> BIRCH BOX. For just $10/month, you get this cute little box every month filled with 4-5 deluxe beauty samples that fit your likes and skin type! Who doesn't love getting mail? And who doesn't love getting fun little gifts in the mail? (Yes, I still consider them gifts even though I'm paying for them.) The moment I heard about this treasure, I whipped out my credit card and signed up. I can't wait for my first box to arrive!

Monday, December 12, 2011

1. Date night at McDonald's for my firstBig Mac.
2. Less than 24 hours later - eating another burger at Smash Burger, Downtown. I do love my burgers.
Or maybe I was just really hungover.
We'll never know.
3. Saturday afternoon stroll Downtown, saw this really cool Corvette.
Hopefully the owner didn't see me taking a picture of his car. Can you say, creeper status?
4. Mission Beach. View from my first 5-miler run on Sunday.
5. My first attempt at meatloaf and homemade mashed potatoes.
6. The result of about 15 pictures taken of me and V-Dizzle.
Why does it seem like we can't take good pictures together?
I look happy. He looks angry.
Yin-yang.
Moving on.

This weekend had a lot of firsts for me.
Results?Big Mac = Yum.
I don't know why it has taken me so long to partake in such goodness.
Maybe it was my fear of the unknown (or that it has 3 buns),
but fear, no longer.5 mile run = doable.
I'm extremely impressed with myself and I'm not afraid to brag about it to anyone who will listen.Meatloaf = meh.
V-Dizz liked it. I wan't the biggest fan.
But those mashed potatoes?
Oh yes, I could eat those on the daily.

Hope you all had a fab weekend.
Here's to one more full week of work before I get to go to GEORGIA!!!

Friday, December 9, 2011

1. I ate at Red Robin last night and had about 231 french fries. This morning, I woke up.08lbs heavier.
A) I notice these minor details
B) It was all worth it...those darn fries are what keep me comin' back.
2. I used to hate hate coffee growing up. I thought it was basically the most disgusting thing I've ever
tasted. As I'm drinking my morning cup right now, I simply can't imagine my life without it...
3. Roomie and I are basically grinches. It's the middle of December. Prime Christmas season. And we have
not a one seasonal item in our home. Grinches, I tell you!
4. I'm officially done buying presents (V-Dizzle included!). The joys of being at a computer all day long.
What did we do when online shopping wasn't invented?
5. Last night, I bought a dress for my company holiday party. It was $22.99.
6. The shoes were $118.99.
7. Last night, Roomie and I busted out the wine (with ice cubes), and watched one of our favorite movies:Love Actually. It's one of my favorites to watch around the Holiday season. But beware: If you're single,
it could possibly leave you feeling a bit depressed.
8. Tomorrow, I have to run 5 miles. I have never done 5 straight miles in my entire life. This is kind of
a big deal for me. Wish me luck.
9. Twelve more days until I fly to Georgia to see my mamma. I am beyond stoked.
10. Every day this week, I have woke (woken?) up late. Today was no exception. Today, I did not have
time to shower. But today, I'm wearing red lipstick. And I think that makes it okay.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Until I finally break down and quickly scarf something down before anyone notices.

If it weren't for all this dang running...well, you may as well call me Blimpy.

This is what my inbox looks like.
Every day.
I'd be lying if I said all my shopping these past few weeks have been for other people.
In fact, I'd have a nose longer than Pinocchio's if I said that.
It's just too tempting.
I can't resist all these fabulous deals!!

P.S. I'm struggling here on what to get V-Dizzle for Christmas.
Why does it seem like boys are so hard to shop for?
If only he had an Amazon Wish List...